During the 2023-2024 academic year, as part of the Computational Design and Digital Fabrication course at Çukurova University, which I co-taught with Kesra Mansuri, we embarked on a unique project aimed at reviving the iconic 1960s breeze blocks of Adana. These blocks, renowned for their excellent environmental and spatial qualities, have sadly fallen out of favor, replaced by monotonous, repetitive apartment buildings.
Each student group designed their own parametric breeze blocks, utilizing advanced computational design tools. These designs were then prototyped using 3D printers, showcasing the potential to reintroduce these vernacular elements in a contemporary context. The project provided an incredibly enriching educational experience for both students and instructors, bridging the gap between traditional architectural heritage and modern fabrication techniques.
Special thanks to Professor Havva Alkan Bala for her invaluable support throughout the semester. We also extend our gratitude to Professor Duygu Saban for her enlightening lecture on the historical evolution of Adana's architecture and the dynamic relationship between interior and exterior spaces.
Additionally, we would like to thank Professor Onur Erman, Head of the Department of Architecture at Çukurova University, along with Aytaç Taşkın, Ceren Sökün, and Murat Sökün, for their insightful project evaluations and feedback.
Photographs of this remarkable journey were beautifully captured by Senay Özsaydı.
This project stands as a testament to the power of design and technology in preserving and reimagining architectural heritage.
